Obituary of George F. Wheeler Jr.

George F. Wheeler Jr. of Gardiner, a former 40 year resident of Montgomery died on January 19, 2025. He was 93. He was the son of the late George F. Wheeler Sr. and Cecilia Hertrick and born in New York City, NY on November 26, 1931. George retired from The New York Thruway Authority after 22 years. He retired from the New York National Guard and was attached to 503 Airborne and the 11th Airborne division of the Army of the United States. George retired as Sergeant of the Town of Montgomery Police Department. He was a member of the Village of Montgomery Police Department and also an Orange County Deputy Sheriff. He was 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly # 2856 New Paltz and Knights of Columbus Council 5800 of New Paltz, NY. He was a Life Member and past Exalted Ruler, Esteemed Leading Knight, Esteemed Loyal Knight, Justice, Esquire of New Paltz Elks Lodge 2568 in New Paltz, NY. George was also Past Commander and Life Member of American Legion Post 521 Montgomery, NY He was past president of the Peace Officers Association of Orange County, Member of Orange County Shields and also Fraternal Order of Police Mid Hudson Chapter #188. He was Scoutmaster and Scout Commissioner in the Village of Montgomery and Orange County. George was a member of the Wallkill and Montgomery Fire Departments and a Fire Police Captain. He was a member of the Wallkill Masonic Lodge No. 627 in Walden, Lodge of Perfection in Middletown, Masonic Lodge Member Valley of Binghamton Scottish Rite and Rose of Croix. He was a member of the AARP Ulster Chapter # 975, a member and past president of the Senior Citizen Club of New Paltz and Gardiner. George attended St. Mary's Church in Montgomery and then St. Charles Church in Gardiner. George is survived by his daughters; Gail Dorward of Woodstock, GA, Deborah Stephenson (Keith) of Burbank, Ohio and Diane Miller (Randy) of Summerville, South Carolina; brother, Ronald Wheeler of Gun Barrel City, Texas; ten grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Lillian Wheeler; partner Joyce Alexander of over 28 years; son Michael James Wheeler; brother, Thomas Wheeler; niece Marsha Wheeler; grandson, Michael Wheeler and son-in-law Steward Dorward. Visitation will be held on Friday January 24, 2025 from 6-8 PM at the Gridley-Horan Funeral Home, Inc. 39 Orchard St. Walden, NY 12586 Services will be held Entombment will take place on Saturday January 26, 2025 at 10 AM at Cedar Hill Mausoleum, Rte 9W Newburgh, New York. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Montgomery Fire Department or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements are entrusted to the Gridley-Horan Funeral Home, Inc. 39 Orchard St. Walden, NY 12586 (845) 778-3811 gridleyhoran.com